At least 50 per cent of Emiratis working for private health companies must be in specialised roles | The National

The new measure aims to support and empower Emiratis and enhance their presence in healthcare jobs. Pawan Singh / The NationalThe new measure aims to support and empower Emiratis and enhance their presence in healthcare jobs. Pawan Singh / The NationalNew ruling comes as part of UAE's drive to employ more Emiratis in private sector

Private healthcare companies in the UAE with at least 50 employees must now ensure half of new Emirati hires fill specialised roles.

Specialised healthcare roles targeted under the directive include physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, radiographers and paramedics, among others.

Compliance with the new Emiratisation amendment will be monitored by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation from the start of next year.

More than 8,800 Emiratis were employed in the private healthcare sector by the end of last year, with women accounting for 82 per cent.